Development and Application of Attenuated Plant Viruses as Biological Control Agents in Japan.

In 1929, it was reported that yellowing symptoms caused by a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) yellow mosaic isolate were suppressed in tobacco plants that were systemically infected with a TMV light green isolate. Similar to vaccination, the phenomenon of cross-protection involves a whole plant being infected with an attenuated virus and involves the same or a closely related virus species. Therefore, attenuated viruses function as biological control agents.

Isolation and characterization of 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase gene from Botryococcus braunii, race B.

The B race of a green microalga Botryococcus braunii Kützing produces triterpene hydrocarbons that is a promising source for biofuel. In this algal race, precursors of triterpene hydrocarbons are provided from the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. The terminal enzyme of this pathway, 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase (HDR) is regarded as one of the key enzymes that affect yields of products in terpene biosynthesis.